- Heading north to the Island’s ‘Warm Land’. North from Victoria, the drive inta South Cowichan offers some of the most dramatic views on Vancouver Island. Named the Malahat Drive, this section of Hwy. 1 begins near sea level in the lush forests of Goldstream Park and winds upwards. From the rest area at the Malahat Summit, high above Finlayson Arm, Saanich Inlet, Brentwood Bay, ‘and North Saanich, the view is breathtaking! £ South Cowichan “7... South Cowichan, known as the Gateway to the Warm “Land, is characterized by diverse landscapes of forests, fresh- --water lakes, salewater beaches and marinas, farmland, and °?° vineyards. The welcoming communities of Shawnigan Lake, ».Mill Bay and Cobble Hill are cucked into the South Cowichan scenery and offer a variety of accommodation, shops, art galleries, restaurants and attractions. ’ With its'unique microclimate and rich soil, the Cowichan Valley hhas flourished as a wine- and cider-making region. Five vineyards and one cidery are tocated mainly in the Cobble Hill area and south of Duncan. Tours, sampling, shops, and dining are offered at sor .-— call ahead. Cowichan Bay In the quiet village of Cowichan Bay, many of the build- ings — houses; shops, pubs, restaurants and accommodations “are supported on stilts and extend over the water, pre- “senting some wonderful photo opportunities. The natural *>deep-sea harbour and marina is at the village centre; this is -“aworking harbour, with log-boom boats and fishing trollers “mingling with yachts and sailboats. “For a leok at British Columbia's various marine habitats, visit the Marine Ecology Station, featuring several aquaria chock full'of plane and animal life, as well as mini-aquaria viewed under a microscope. The nearby Maritime Centre builds, restores and displays a variety of historic wooden boats, and also has displays of boating history. ~ Duncan “The commercial centre of the Cowichan Valley, Duncan ‘isa small city that’s big on First Nations art, history, and culture. ‘The valley was the original territory of the Cowichan a People and their enduring spirit and ancient traditions make “+ Duncan one of the most significant centres of Native history ~~, on Vancouver Island. ~ Duncan was dubbed the City of Tovems in the mid- 1980s 2 when @ project was launched with local Native groups. Totem poles, both transported from their original sites and -.catved specifically for the project, were erected throughout the downtown area ‘and along Hwy. 1. Today, there are more “than 80 poles in Duncan, 41 of which are downtown. ". Continue your exploration of First Nations culture at the Cowichan Native Village, featuring displays and demon- strations of arts and crafts. Just north of Duncan, the BC Forest Discovery Centre "-.- offers a wonderfully educational and fun experience for the whole family. ‘This 40-hectare (99-acre) park features a steam “train, forese trails, activities, and indoor and outdoor dis- "plays present the past, presence, and fucure of forestry. Cowichan Lake District Nestled into the mountains and forests west of Duncan, - Cowichan Lake District includes the communities of Lake = Cowichan, Mesachie Lake, Youbou and Honeymoon Bay. sas JUAN “DE FUCA STRAIT SOUTH CENTRALISLAND — “ The ancient forests of Carmanah Provincial Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island are accessible from the Cowichan Lake District. A challenging, one-hour wilder- ness hike leads to Carmanah Creek where you'll see huge Sitka spruce. Guided hiking excursions are offered t by several companies that take trekkers into other areas of f the park closed to the public. North Cowichan One of B.C.’s oldest municipalities, North Cowichan is a beautiful area of mountains, lakes, rivers, and ocean bays and inlets. Mainly a rural area, the municipaliry encom- passes Crofton, Chemainus, Genoa Bay and Maple Bay — all delightful communities perched at the water's edge. For a leisurely and scenic tour of this lovely area, take the back roads off Hwy. i. Chemainus is the largest and oldest. of the North Cowichan communities. First settled in 1858, Chemainus started as a forestry town, once boasting the largest sawmill in che world. In che 1980s, the mill closed and the future of the town was in question. With an inipressive show of local spirit and pride, a downtown-revitalization program was launched that involved having professional artists paint huge murals depicting the history of the Chemainus Valley. on the outside walls cf buildings. An overwhelming success.” from the start, Chemainus has been a tourist mecca ever «. since, drawing as many.as 300,000 visitors a year. The | Chemainus Theatre is another major attraction, offering ae : year-round schedule of acclaimed productions. © - Just south of Chemainus, friendly Crofton is a forestry. town with an interesting former life as a copper-mining . community. The Old School Museum, where the Visitor Info Centre is located, features displays on Crofton’s pioneer, h Continued on next page | YELLOW POINT OCEANFRONT VACATION #109-209 at Inn of the Sea - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms on 2 levels. . Sleeps 2-8 people, full kitchen, fireplace, °: terinis, heated pool, rowboat, canoe & dock. SOLD OUT FOR SUMMER! BOOK NOW FOR FALL & WINTER: Call Owner: 250-472- 1740. TAKE ALOOK - ON THE wiLD soe | THE MARINE ECOLOGY — daily i in summer and weekends off se ; Also , * Week long Marine Science Morning Camps * * Gulf Island Family Field [Trips *k 45 ‘minutes N. of Victoria at Pier 66 in Cowichan Ba Phone: 250-748-4522; web site: http://mareco.org/- Admission: $2 age 5-12, § 3 age 13+, 57 families :